The KCC still approved $109,000 worth of charges from CURB to the utilities, however.

CURB Consumer Counsel David Springe said he worries that the inquiry could affect its efforts to keep rates in check.

CURB finances its $816,000 annual budget through the charges to utilities. The agency relies on the KCC for some administrative services, but is otherwise independent of the commission and is overseen by a board appointed by the governor.